Eco-tourism and NAI'A
Scuba divers on NAI’A are excellent citizen scientists contributing to coral reef monitoring and marine baseline studies in Fiji and whale identification in Tonga.
Presentation of Knowledge
No matter how serious the science or how close the cultural encounter, good presentation is priceless in lending it meaning and relevance to tourists. Communicating well with guests has a triple whammy effect in added value:
- It educates - giving a sense of gain;
- It entertains - guaranteeing good memories;
- It inspires guests to spread the environmental word back home.
The famously friendly Fijian crew on NAI'A is as important to presentation as a formal PowerPoint on invertebrate ecology. In English, they share stories about their lives at sea among the Pacific Islands. But they also bridge the language barrier during traditional Fijian village ceremonies and explain the meaning and history behind the rituals. Our visiting scientists/researchers are adored as much for their enthusiasm for nature and gift of the gab as for their memory for Latin fish names! In onboard presentations we try to give each character on the reef a story - where it lives, how to find it, who are its friends and enemies, why does it behave that way?
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Partnership with Experts
NAI’A partners with scientists from the University of the S. Pacific, World Wildlife Fund, Wilderness Conservation Society, Conservation International and more.
Protection of the Phoenix Islands
The remarkable diving in the Phoenix Islands World Heritage Site was first discovered by NAI’A in 1997. The ship has made the 2,000-mile expedition ten times.
Participation by Passengers
NAI’A passengers often participate in marine eco-tourism projects using their skill and experience to contribute to science and enhance their own experience.
“Any country with coral reef like this has a national treasure that should be protected. Fiji is one of the few lucky countries.”
~ Roger Steene, photographer, author, naturalist